Mobile Additive Manufacturing Robot for Large-Scale Precise Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing technologies are limited by the dimensions of the workspace and the mobility of the equipment, restricting the size and complexity of objects that can be produced.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile additive manufacturing apparatus, referred to as an Addibot, which is equipped with a drive system, navigation system, controller, and additive manufacturing system, allowing for independent or automated movement and deployment of materials in three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional additive manufacturing equipment is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the workspace dimensions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from stationary additive manufacturing equipment to mobile robotic systems that can move dynamically across large workspaces. The robotic manipulator with multiple degrees of freedom maintains precision while the mobile platform enables traversal across extended areas, resolving the contradiction between workspace size and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the additive manufacturing function into a mobile robotic manipulator that can be positioned at different locations across the workspace. This segmentation allows the precision manufacturing capability to be distributed and relocated, maintaining deposition accuracy while expanding the effective workspace area through multiple positioning stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing equipment is made mobile, then workspace accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: mobility for workspace access, robotic manipulation for precise material deposition, and navigation capabilities for autonomous operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to various workspace configurations while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous navigation and self-positioning capabilities, allowing the mobile robotic manipulator to independently navigate to target locations and execute deposition tasks without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability improves workspace accessibility while reducing operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If material deposition is performed in precise locations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional planar deposition to three-dimensional spatial deposition by utilizing the mobile robotic manipulator's ability to move in multiple dimensions. This enables precise material placement in three-dimensional space while the mobile nature allows parallel processing at multiple locations simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robotic system enables continuous deposition operations by eliminating the need to reposition entire manufacturing systems. The robotic manipulator can continuously deposit material along complex three-dimensional paths while the mobile platform allows uninterrupted operation across different workspace zones, maintaining precision while improving manufacturing throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, discrete material formats for use in an Additive Manufacturing Array are disclosed. Methods of using the additive manufacturing robot, discrete materials, and the roadways produced with the additive manufacturing robot are provided. A combined function Addibot, with Additive Manufacturing capabilities, cleaning capabilities, line painting capabilities and seal coating capabilities which may be used in concert with a camera equipped aerial drone for design and characterization function is described.